November 2008
This month sees history in the making with the new US president elect and the youngest ever F1 world motor racing champion both enjoying their own personal and team successes and showing that with determination and perseverance, they can achieve what they set out to achieve. Building on this theme, we would like each and every one of you to be successful in your chosen field, whether that is Business & Administration or a similarly related subject and whether you work for yourself or as part of a team. We invite you to read more about this year’s Startups Awards which were set up to celebrate excellence in small businesses and it is also fitting that with Remembrance Sunday just behind us, one of our top stories this month looks at the role of Personnel Administrators in the RAF. We take a look at the first successful case study from the Business Skills Academy, launched in September and there is more on our programme of events across the UK and Northern Ireland, so read on to find out how you can attend. In other news, CfA supports the final stretch for Eclipse Training who are as I write, taking part in the Women for Women cycle ride in Cuba. As you know, training for the event has had wide TV coverage from ITV’s 'This Morning' programme and we will be providing you with the full story in December’s eBriefing. With the worldwide Movember event seeing our CfA team grow moustaches to support men’s cancer charities, this is a busy month for charitable-based activities! Finally, we have a summary of OCR’s functional skills pilot, now in its second year, a short feature on how to train your way out of the recession and a snapshot of the Learndirect awards that took place last month. With a special thanks to all contributors this month and in previous eBriefings, I hope you’ll put the cool and damp winter weather aside and enjoy reading about what CfA has to share with you this November. If you would like to comment on any of these stories or have a feature of your own to contribute, please contact Helen Gerlach.
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CfA Human Resources tool pilot
The CfA are piloting a new online HR document tool in December and we'd like volunteers to help us test the system. The tool has been created to help those who create HR documents and prompts them to fill in the essential information about a role within your organisation. The HR tool will then create eight key documents based on the following information: job description, person specification, job advertisement, interview questions, selection criteria checklist, appraisal form, and review form and induction/training plan. You can then save these documents or print them for use straight away, saving you time at every step in the process. If you are interested in piloting the tool in December, please register your interest by sending an email to Kerrie Fuller.
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CfA employment vacancy facility You may remember that as part of our ongoing commitment to promoting and developing Business & Administration skills for employers and in the workplace, CfA launched a new web facility earlier on this year. Businesses and organisations throughout the UK have the opportunity to post employment vacancies on our website for administrators and for staff in vocational learning providers. This means that CfA will be able to continue to add further value to graduates, members and businesses by offering relevant positions from trusted and recognised employers to assist them in their search for the ideal employee. If you have a vacant position in your organisation or would be interested in this service, please contact Oliver Stammers. |
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Business Skills Academy: A Case Study Harrier LLC is based in the West Country and part of the US District Photo Group. A major photo and photo gift fulfillment business, they have immediately benefited from the Business Skills Academy by working with one of the founder members, Education + Training Skills (ETS) in Exeter. Alongside a full Organisational Needs Analysis to discuss company background and business structure, products, services and people, ETS were keen to consider the business impact of all future training, especially the return on investment, which is a key part of its offer to Harrier LLC. Harrier’s Customer Relations Department then trained seven learners through fully or partially funded options all taking place in-company to minimise disruption to the working day. Learning options ranged from Customer Service Level 2 Apprenticeships through to a Management Level 3 Apprenticeship and a tailored programme through the European Social Fund project. Kelly Whitehouse Office Manager at Harrier LLC said: “The Customer Relations Department at Harrier LLC are truly thankful to ETS and the Business Skills Academy for facilitating many National Vocational Courses within our department.” To find out how the Business Skills Academy can also benefit your business please click here. |
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Free ePortfolio demo across UK Due to ever increasing demand, the CfA are pleased to announce a round of free ePortfolio demonstrationevents throughout November and December 2008. These free events will give you a greater understanding of how ePortfolios can benefit not only you, but also your candidates in developing greater efficiency in your assessment practices and show why forward ePortfolio PLUS is the most cost-effective, access anywhere ePortfolio solution available on the market today. With demonstration events planned to take place in Glasgow, Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester, we are registering delegates who are interested in attending. So if you do wish to see forward ePortfolio PLUS in action, please email Cameron Woodrow For those who have already emailed, your interest has been noted and you will be contacted within the week. Places for the free events are strictly limited and will be given on a first come first served basis. You will be contacted with exact times and dates once numbers have been confirmed.
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Startups Awards: Women In Business This year’s Startups Awards, now in their fifth year, saw the online portal, notonthehighstreet.com winning the Women In Business prize. The awards were set up to celebrate excellence in small businesses and are organised by the free advice website, startups.co.uk. David Lester, founder of startups.co.uk said: “Our winners are the leaders of tomorrow, but the drivers of today’s economy. It’s essential we recognise the success they’ve achieved, regardless of the economic conditions.” Notonthehighstreet.com operates as a virtual shopping mall for over 700 small retailers and is an excellent example of one successful small firm helping other small businesses to succeed. Set up in 2006, it now employs 20 people, expecting a turnover in excess of £3.5 million this year. This item was originally featured in The Enterprise Zone at Financial Mail 2 November 2008. To learn more about startups.co.uk please click here
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Alongside traditional admin tasks, the RAF Personnel Administrator role can also mean planning the layout of a temporary air base and deciding where to put facilities in time for the arrival of troops. This means that administrators actually get to look after the troops on operations whilst working in a highly effective team on the ground. To see videos of Matt and Darren being put through their paces, meeting their mentors and finding out what it’s really like to be a Personnel Administrator in the RAF, please click here
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The CfA have an itchy 'Movember' in store This month, the male members of the CfA team are putting aside their personal pride (?!?) and attempting to grow moustaches for charity. Did you know that:
During Movember (the month formerly known as November), the men of the CfA team are growing a Moustache because they are passionate about tackling men's health issues and being proactive in the fight against prostate cancer. Each year, the Movember Foundation, implements the Movember event across the globe. It does this to create awareness around men's health issues and raises funds for carefully selected beneficiary partners in each country, with a focus on prostate cancer. Since 2004, Movember has raised over $30 million (AUD) globally, significantly increasing awareness of prostate cancer in the community, and is continuously working to change the attitude men have about their health. To donate contributions to the 'Vauxhall Boys' and the Movember event or to find out more please click on the link below. If you are kind enough to donate, please donate through the Movember website and give to the 'Vauxhall Boys' team. If you are really lucky, we'll show you how hairy they got by the end of the month. |
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Eclipse Training – CfA sponsored Cuba cycle ride On Monday last week, Donna and Val of Eclipse Training completed their very first 50 mile cycle ride with relative ease in spite of the wet and windy November weather. Feeling good about prospects in Cuba this week, the ladies head off at the crack of dawn on Thursday to meet the team at Heathrow before flying across to Paris for their connecting flight to Havana. After a bike fitting and route briefing to avoid damage caused by Hurricane Gustav, the long-awaited 5 days and 250 miles of back-to-back cycling will begin, with only a day at the end to have a look around Havana itself. The ladies will be updating us on their successes in time for the December eBriefing and in the meantime, ITV’s ‘This Morning’ will be providing up to date coverage of the event. For the most recent video clip of Eclipse Training in action, please click here
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Train your way out of recession
So what is the problem? There are three main issues:
So where can you go to find out more? To read the original article, originally featured in The Times, 2 November 2008, please click here. To see a full copy of the Cranfield University Nurturing Talent report, please click here. To visit the businessskillsacademy please click here - for training needs analyses, bespoke development solutions and a wide range of off the shelf programmes to meet employment needs in the skills areas of Business & Administration, Customer Service and Leadership & Management.
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Year two of OCR’s functional skills pilot is now in full swing. The first assessment session took place from Monday 3rd to Friday 7th November, with results due on Friday 23 January 09. Making entries for the January 2009 session Entry Level Functional Skills For more information click here or email NEW OCR TEXT PROCESSING QUALIFICATIONS The 11 new OCR Text Processing (Business Professional) qualifications became available during October 2008. This new suite of qualifications, available from Entry Level through to Level 3 is accredited on the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF). The comprehensive selection of credit-rated units can be built into full Award, Certificate and Diploma qualifications, which can be constructed, on a step-by-step basis from these units. Units in Text Production, Speed Keying, Word Processing, Audio-Transcription, Document Production, Shorthand, Business Presentations and Mail merge are all available, with progression between at least two levels in each area. Several specialist Medical and Legal units are also provided. Full details of this exciting new QCF development, including centre handbooks, detailed unit descriptions, marking guides and sample examination papers are available on the OCR website please click here.
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Since 2006, the Learning and Skills Council has gradually been introducing a new standard to promote specialist excellence in training provision. This new standard, the Training Quality Standard (TQS), is a single standard and aims to build on the achievements of former Centres for Vocational Excellence (CoVEs). It has a specific focus on quality and commitment to continuous improvement, so that training meets the needs of employers and the workforce. TQS Part B supporting guidance for Business & Administration is now available to help centres with their applications for assessment. Please click here if you would like a copy of the TQS Business & Administration Part B guidance.
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To support involvement of employers and higher education in the Diploma the Diploma Development Partnership (DDP) has convened an Employer Advisory Group and a Higher Education Advisory Group; the next meetings are taking place in London in November – click here to view the events page. If your business or institution would like to be involved with the Diploma either with the DDP or schools and colleges in your area please register your interest by emailing diploma@fssc.org.uk and make sure you register on the BAF Diploma website to receive a monthly E-Bulletin to keep you informed about the latest Diploma Developments.
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How do you think we can best achieve that? The FSSC are conducting a survey looking for views on what you think needs to be done to help and enhance this sector and would welcome feedback from anyone who may be interested in completing this. As the closing off date of 21st November draws near, remember to have your say. By logging on here you can quickly have your say in helping shape the way the FSSC works.
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Qualification Reform Support Programme The Qualification Support Programme understands how providers may need support to see the wider context as a result of the changes happening through the introduction of the QCF and the move to a demand-led system. As a result it has developed a series of free events that are designed to help exploit these changes more effectively.
The events will highlight the interdependencies between the QCF and other reforms, explore the potential impact on providers, present the opportunity to share other provider perspectives on the reforms and outline what other support is available. You can book a place on one of these events by visiting the QRSP website .
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The 7th ALP Autumn Conference brought together a range of influential speakers from across the Further Education system to inform providers about new policy implementation and key government programmes. With main sessions and a full line-up of workshops, the ALP Autumn Conferences typically attract over 250 attendees per day, made up of 43% ALP members and 57% Non–ALP Members. Attendees hail from all sectors of the training industry and usually the event is attended by Senior Managers, Chief Executives, Managing Directors, Vice Principals and Operational Field Managers. To download slides and speeches from the conference please click here.
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ALP Skills Champion for Business & Administration
With 12 years experience in the work-based learning sector, six in operational management roles and the remainder in quality management or business improvement roles, Caroline additionally spent three of these years as a Lead Inspector with the Adult Learning Inspectorate. She now brings a wealth of expertise to ALP. Her current role is Business Improvement Director for JHP Group, reporting to the CEO and responsible for business improvement projects, quality management and compliance audit of all work-based learning programmes. JHP Group has 25 years experience of working in partnership with employers to deliver work-based learning programmes with over 1,300 learners completing business administration programmes with JHP Training. To read more about JHP Training please click here: |
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Learndirect Achievement Awards 2008 The National Winners of the 2008 Learndirect Achievement Awards were announced at a special ceremony on 20 October 2008 at the Science Museum, London. The ceremony was hosted by Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford and attended by the regional winners from Wales, Northern Ireland, the Army and Navy and nine English Regions. National Award Winners were announced and also the finalists highly commended by the judging panel. We extend our congratulations to all winners and finalists. For more information about learndirect please click here
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EDI Level 2 Certificate in Employability Skills
The qualification covers the following four topics: how to achieve personal effectiveness and success at work; the effectiveness of personal communication skills; developing team skills and positive working relationships; working to maintain safety and security in the workplace. Assessment is through a combination of an assignment and a multiple-choice test consisting of 25 questions to be completed in 50 minutes and is available as either an online test or as a paper-based test. The assignment consists of 4 tasks covering the syllabus topic areas. The qualification is accredited by QCA for learners who are under and over 16. The accreditation number is 500/3609/9. EDI recommends 40 guided learning hours for the delivery of this course and provides a Specification, Sample Assessments and a comprehensive Learning Resource Pack to assist in the delivery of the course. Further information can be found on the EDI website please click here. |
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City & Guilds Build your Business November sees City & Guilds offering masterclasses for training providers and
For further information please go to the City and Guilds website Working with business |
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City & Guilds and AMSPAR collaboration
City & Guilds are delighted to be working with AMSPAR and now managing the AMSPAR suite of medical terminology, reception and secretarial qualifications. All five qualifications have been accredited by Ofquals and documentation is available on the dedicated webpage please click here.
New Health and Safety qualification
If you are interested please click here and enter 3682 in the Search Engine. |
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Q:If a candidate has changed their name during their apprenticeship what do I need to send in to the CfA? A: The CfA will only accept an official document such as a Deed Poll or a certified copy of a Marriage Certificate as evidence of the name change. It is no longer mandatory to use the ERR workbook but learners do find it a particularly useful resource which helps them prepare for core unit assessment in either the Business & Administration apprenticeships, NVQ or SVQ.
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To subscribe to the CfA eBriefing, please email Helen Gerlach. The CfA is not responsible for the content of any external links from this newsletter. The Council for Administration is a registered charity, No 1095 809. |
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Are you responsible for creating HR documents? Do you have any Business & Administration apprentices who work in HR? Or do you work closely with employers with regards to HR functions?
Matt Littler and Darren Jeffries, formerly of award-winning soap Hollyoaks, were recently asked to test out their skills as Personnel Administrators and sent to live on an active RAF base for a week. Their challenge was both exciting and demanding with RAF mentors being assigned to both actors to be on hand if needed. Whilst on their tour of duty, the two were proud to be able to wear the smart RAF Personnel Administrator blue uniform and beret.
A recent article in the Times has highlighted the importance of training and development for businesses during a recession. The article drew on a research report from Cranfield University, which focused its research on how training and development differs according to the size of organisation. What is certain is that the future doesn’t look good for SMEs. 
Following the successful launch of the Business, Administration and Finance (BAF) Diploma website, you can find Issue one of BAF Newsletter now available to download from the website at 
At a time when world markets are in turmoil and the general public view financial services ever more warily, the UK needs a robust financial services sector that we can all be confident in.
Caroline Groom has recently been appointed to the role of ALP Skills Champion for Business & Administration. She is one of 14 Skills Champions now tasked to lead and strengthen ALP’s engagement with Sector Skills Councils and Sector Skills Bodies. This presents an exciting opportunity in today’s challenging environment where a flexible response is required in terms of qualifications, programmes and programme delivery. 
The EDI Level 2 Certificate in Employability Skills qualification is a cross-sectoral qualification designed for learners who wish to gain a better understanding of the skills required either to enter employment or to become more effective in the workplace. 
employers on the delivery of business qualifications such as Business & Administration, IT, Customer Service, Contact Centre, Sales and Marketing. These explain: 
If you would like to submit information to the CfA eBriefing, please contact Helen Gerlach on 020 7091 9620.
© CfA 2008
